An inexperienced England women’s side lost 2-1 to China in their opening Pro League match in Hangzhou.
England featured 10 debutants and made the perfect start when Becky Manton scored within the opening minute.
However, the Olympic silver medallists equalised through Wenli Zhang on eight minutes.
Early in the second half, the hosts were awarded a penalty corner and Ying Zhang’s shot took a deflection off Yu Anhui and beat goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard.
England created chances and moved Pritchard outfield for the final two-and-a-half minutes, but China used all their experience to hold them off.
David Ralph’s team return to action again against Belgium on Monday (11:30 GMT) in the second of four games in China.